Uzbekistan: Samarkand Solidarity Initiative serves to attract peoples to constructive dialogue and mutual trust

Today, Uzbekistan plays a key role in the development of regional interconnectedness, making a significant contribution to strengthening stability and security, as well as to the sustainable development of Central Asia. Moreover, our country has a successful political and diplomatic experience in conducting constructive dialogue and joint search for solutions to common problems.

In a short period of time, we have managed to establish close and trusting relations with our closest neighbors in the region, jointly solve acute problems related to water resources, energy, transport, communication and other issues that have been accumulating for years. Moreover, in the context of growing globalization and security threats, the international community is facing a number of challenges, which requires enhanced coordination and cooperation. 
In this context, Uzbekistan has put forward the Samarkand Solidarity Initiative for the Sake of Common Security and Prosperity, which is of great importance for international politics and security: it aims to attract peoples to a constructive dialogue, create conditions for strengthening peace and stability in the region, international partnership and dialogue based on the principles of respect for cultural and religious diversity, equality and solidarity.       
At the Samarkand SCO Summit, held last autumn in the majestic ancient city of Uzbekistan, common approaches of the states of the association to interaction in popular and promising areas of cooperation were determined. At the same time, the Samarkand Declaration was approved, which reflected the consolidated positions of the SCO member states on the most important regional and global issues. The document outlined joint approaches to ensuring regional stability and security, sustainable economic development, strengthening transport links, as well as deepening cultural dialogue.    
In turn, the Samarkand Solidarity Initiative has identified a number of important tasks, in particular: the search for coordinated approaches and solutions, the restoration of trust, the removal of global tension, uncertainty and unpredictability in order to establish international cooperation. The implementation of the initiative allows us to build the future on mutual trust, benefit, equality, respect for the diversity of civilizations and the movement towards joint development. And, as President Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted, the initiative is the embodiment of constructive dialogue, mutual understanding, good neighborliness and friendship between states.    
The main principles of the Samarkand Initiative are the following factors: 
• respect for cultural and religious diversity; 
• equality and solidarity;
• engaging peoples in constructive dialogue;
• strengthening international cooperation; 
• prevention of conflicts and security threats.
The Samarkand Initiative is aimed at involving all interested states in a global intercivilizational inclusive dialogue. This format is new and is designed to unite the efforts of states and peoples of the world to resolve existing contradictions and disagreements by intensifying cultural, interethnic and interreligious interaction.
A concrete Action Program is being developed, which provides for measures to find mutually acceptable solutions to the most pressing international and regional problems, as well as to strengthen the spirit of dialogue, mutual understanding, respect and trust, and increase political, diplomatic, economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation. It is expected that these measures will contribute to building trust at all levels and deepening mutual understanding between different social groups, cultures and civilizations. In addition, the initiative outlines goals to eliminate threats to peace and security, as well as to promote and protect human rights.      
The Samarkand initiative has received support from many States and reputable international organizations. At the same time, it is not a one-time event, but is presented as an ongoing process with a set of interrelated activities. It provides for further practical implementation of the proposals put forward and new ideas that will be proposed in the future.    
It should be noted that this initiative is also supported by the leaders of neighboring countries, in particular, the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stressed that dialogue is the only way to create a favorable environment that allows reaching agreement. But despite the measures taken, conflicts continue in many regions of the world. At the same time, Kazakhstan highly appreciates all the efforts and plans proposed by a number of States and groups of countries in support of the settlement of the ongoing crises. Diplomacy and dialogue should always prevail in the resolution of international disputes. Therefore, we should jointly make every effort to stabilize the only existing system of global institutions. The Samarkand Solidarity Initiative is also aimed at this.   
Uzbekistan, a country with an ancient and rich history, understands the importance of preserving cultural and religious diversity. Therefore, the initiative is another step towards preserving this heritage and strengthening international cooperation. Constructive dialogue and mutual respect should be the basis for long-term cooperation. Only then can peace and security be achieved for all the peoples of the world.    
Speaking at the summit of the heads of the SCO member states, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted that holding the Summit of the Future on the initiative of the UN Secretary General will serve to solve urgent problems of international and regional development, further increase the influence and authority of the association. At this crucial historical moment, everyone should think about which planet we will leave to future generations, the head of our state stressed. The Leader of the country noted that only through common aspirations and joint efforts can lasting peace and prosperity be achieved. More than ever, mutual trust, solidarity and close cooperation are needed today. 
The Samarkand Initiative pays special attention to the role of youth in strengthening international security. The initiative provides for measures to strengthen youth ties and exchange experience, as well as the development of youth programs and initiatives. An important element of the initiative is the call to involve peoples in a constructive dialogue, which will create conditions for the exchange of experience, knowledge and technology, as well as for strengthening cultural ties between countries.
Thus, the nomination by the President of Uzbekistan of the Samarkand Solidarity Initiative in the name of common Security and Prosperity was an important practical step towards the work carried out by the countries to ensure peace, stability and prosperity in the vast Eurasian space.
Uzbekistan has repeatedly confirmed its commitment to developing practical meaningful measures and approaches to solving problems. And the Samarkand initiative, in turn, can be considered as a response to the main challenges and problems of the world order related to the lack of mutual trust. It is designed to unite States for joint reflection and search for new approaches to universal sustainable development, which the whole world needs today.
Nigora Saidova,
chief coordinator of the Nationwide movement "Yuksalish".